"Renatho Casseus is a City College student and a member of our City College family, and we will continue standing with him, his family, and everyone affected by this experience," said Ricky Shabazz, Ed.D., President of San Diego City College. "We are proud of the employees and students who have shown up for one another, and we will keep doing everything within our ability to support Renatho and his family."
Renatho is a second-year student enrolled in three classes this fall and a participant in the college's Umoja and EOPS programs. College officials say he has no criminal record and was taken by immigration enforcement steps from his classes in the AH Building.
Supporting the Campus Community: Counseling, academic support, and Know Your Rights workshops are available to all students and employees through the college's Undocumented Resource Center, including a virtual Know Your Rights session on September 22.
Supporting Renatho and His Family: Renatho's immigration hearing is scheduled for September 17. Community members who personally know Renatho may send letters of support to his attorney, Wismick Saint-Jean. The San Diego City College Foundation has also launched a legal defense fund, which can be supported online.
"He is a son, a brother, a friend, a college student, and an aspiring engineer, and he is part of the City College family," Shabazz said. The Casseus family has expressed sincere appreciation for the outpouring of support from the City College community.
Related: SDCCD Immigration Resources